How to Feed a Rabbit With a Syringe

Newborn rabbits can be fed kitten milk replacer with a syringe if the mother is unable to feed them. It is important not to remove baby rabbits from the mother unless you are completely certain that they are not being fed, as rabbits can die as a result of incorrect syringe feeding. If you are concerned, check the baby rabbits in the early hours of the morning as this is the one time of day when the mother will feed them. A baby rabbit that has been fed will have a rounded stomach. If it is necessary to hand rear the rabbits, visit for veterinarian to ask for advice on the brand and the amount to feed. You can also administer oral medication to an adult rabbit with the use of a syringe if necessary.

Things You'll Need

Sterile oral syringe

Instructions

- 1
  Make up the formula for the rabbits' food by reading the directions on the packaging. Add one tablespoon of cream to the can of kitten milk replacer to make the formula richer, as the mother's milk would be. If you are administering medication follow the directions that your veterinarian has given you, being careful to fill the syringe with the correct dosage.
- 2
  Sit on the floor or on a sofa while you hold the rabbit to feed it. This is important because the rabbit may wriggle around while it is being fed, especially if it is a baby. You don't want the rabbit to fall a long distance if he manages to wriggle out of your arms.
- 3
  Hold the syringe to the rabbit's mouth and squeeze it slightly to feed the rabbit just one drop at a time. Avoid feeding the rabbit at a fast rate as this could lead the rabbit to ingest the liquid into its lungs, which could be fatal. Feed baby rabbits no more than once a day. If the baby doesn't finish the entire amount, split the feedings into two sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening.